How much does a Geologist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Geologist
Image that illustrates Geologist

Geologist

47 800 kr

Geologists and geophysicists etc.

37 900 - 59 300 kr / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Naturvetenskapligt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Geologist

Average salary 47 800 kr
Males 48 800 kr
Females 45 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 4 Vacant jobs ->

What does a geologist do? – Tasks and work environment

Geologists work with investigating and analyzing the Earth's structure, processes, and history. Their tasks often include mapping rocks, minerals, and fossils, as well as assessing environmental impact, natural resources, and risks such as landslides or pollution. Many geologists are employed in the mining and energy sectors, consulting firms, or government agencies, where they conduct fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and report writing. The work environment varies from office settings to fieldwork in diverse terrains and weather conditions, demanding both physical endurance and analytical skills.

Salary development over time

The salary of geologists has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,200 SEK per month, rising to 46 400 SEK in 2023 and reaching 47,800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.1% during this period. This development reflects an increased demand for geological expertise, especially in environmental, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Advances in technology and increased requirements for sustainability analyses have also contributed to higher wages. At the same time, regional and employer differences mean salary growth can vary locally.

Geologist salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 47,800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 37,900 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 59,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 287 SEK
  • Women: 45 900 SEK/month
  • Men: 48 800 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 94% of men's salary
  • Regional differences: Salaries vary depending on the labor market and employer, but detailed statistics are lacking.

Education and qualifications

To work as a geologist, a university degree in geosciences or related natural sciences is usually required. The education combines theoretical studies with practical components such as fieldwork and laboratory exercises. Specializations in areas like environmental geology, hydrogeology, or mineralogy are common to meet labor market demands. Internships or thesis work often provide valuable work experience and can be crucial for establishing a career.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in geosciences
  • Practical experience: Field courses and/or thesis work with workplace connection
  • Courses/certifications: Opportunities for specialization in environmental science, GIS, or geophysics
  • Prerequisites: Basic scientific qualifications from high school
  • Tips for choosing: Select specialization based on interest and labor market needs

One of the most exciting aspects of the geologist profession is the opportunity to work both outdoors and in laboratories, sometimes in remote locations where few others have set foot. The job can involve travel to Swedish mining sites or international research projects. Those who enjoy variation and adventure can thus find a unique workday as a geologist.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Geologists are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, pension contributions, extra vacation days, and sometimes travel allowances or per diems during fieldwork. Depending on the employer, professional development, insurance, and flexible working hours may also be included as part of employment terms.

Competition and challenges

Competition for geologist positions varies by region and economic cycle, but the supply of job openings can sometimes be limited. The industry is affected by fluctuations in mining, construction, and environmental sectors, making the job market sensitive to economic changes. Technological advances and digitalization increase demands for skills in data analysis, GIS, and environmental reporting. Additionally, the work environment can be challenging, with periods of fieldwork under demanding conditions. Staying updated with new technology and research is crucial to remain competitive in the profession.

Tips for aspiring geologists

To succeed as a geologist, curiosity and analytical skills are important, as the profession requires interpreting complex natural processes and proposing solutions. Good physical endurance is vital, especially during fieldwork involving long days outdoors in varied terrain. Being organized and meticulous when collecting and analyzing data is also beneficial, as results often underpin important decisions. The ability to collaborate and communicate with other professionals facilitates daily work and opens opportunities across industries. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself in new techniques or specialties strengthen job prospects. Building networks through internships and industry contacts can be decisive for landing your first job. Finally, having a genuine interest in science and sustainable development is essential, as these themes permeate the profession at multiple levels.

Key facts about Geologist

  • Educational level: Bachelor's or master's degree in geosciences
  • Work environment: Combination of fieldwork and office work
  • Number of job openings (2024): 143 within the profession
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 94% of men's salary
  • Occupational group: Geologists and geophysicists, among others

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a geologist, opportunities may open for more specialized roles, such as project manager in environmental geology, geotechnical consultant, or researcher at universities and research institutes. Some choose to further their education in areas like GIS, hydrogeology, or environmental law to broaden career options. Forecasts from the Employment Service are cautious due to limited data, but current figures show 143 job openings, indicating ongoing demand. Industry development is influenced by environmental legislation, societal infrastructure, and technology, meaning career paths may evolve over time.

Frequently asked questions about Geologists

  • What is the average salary of a geologist?
    - The average salary for a geologist is 47,800 SEK per month.
  • What is the starting salary for a geologist?
    - The starting salary varies, but is typically around 37,900 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for geologists?
    - There are 143 job openings within the profession, and demand varies regionally.
  • What education is required to become a geologist?
    - A bachelor's or master's degree in geosciences is usually required.
  • What is the salary of the highest-paid geologist?
    - The highest salary is 59,300 SEK per month and applies to a male private sector worker.
  • What career opportunities are available after a few years in the profession?
    - Opportunities include specializing, taking project management roles, or working as a consultant in various industries.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 05:10:55

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Geologist is 59300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 47800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Geologist is 37900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 96% 41300 kr 41800 kr
35-44 98% 47500 kr 47900 kr
45-54 51900 kr 52200 kr
55-64 54000 kr 54200 kr
Snitt 94% 47400 kr 47800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Geologist has the SSYK code 2114, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics